Smith & Wesson M&P 12 pump action shotgun (USA)

The Smith & Wesson M&P 12 pump action shotgun was introduced to American shooting public in 2021. Designed and manufactured by the famous American gun-making company Smith & Wesson, better known for its handguns, this is not the first shotgun to bear its name, but probably the most modern one.

The Smith & Wesson M&P 12 shotgun

The Smith & Wesson M&P 12 shotgun is intended for use in a security or home defense roles, but it also can be used for hunting. Arranged into a distinctive and compact bullpup layout and with a relatively short 19-inch barrel, it is a compact yet powerful close-quarters weapon. It also sports dual magazine feed option, and thus follows the steps of the South African Neostead shotgun, as well as the more recent American Kel-tec KSG-12 and Turkish Utas UTS-15 shotguns.

The Smith & Wesson M&P 12 pump action shotgun is operated using a manually sliding forend with an integrated vertical forward grip. Locking is achieved by a rising lug, located inside the bolt, which engages the barrel extension. Gun features two non-detachable tubular magazines, arranged side by side below the barrel. Both magazines can be loaded through the single large opening located behind the pistol grip, below the receiver. Same opening is used to eject fired empty shells. Ammunition can be fed from one magazine at time, using manual magazine selector. Feed selector is made in the form of the cross-bolt switch. Gun also features loading / unloading assist buttons, located on both magazine tubes. When partially pressed in, this button allows for more convenient loading of shells into the magazine tube. When pressed all the way it, it allows unloading of the magazine without cycling the action. Gun is also fitted with a hinged top cover above the action, which allows for the more convenient maintenance or clearing of jams.

The Smith & Wesson M&P 12 shotgun

Basic controls include a pistol grip with removable grip panels (compatible with the S&W M&P pistols), ambidextrous manual safety, and an action lock release, located at the front of the trigger guard.
The Smith & Wesson M&P 12 shotgun is not fitted with any type of built-in iron sights. It features a length of the Picatinny rail above the barrel, which can be used to install a broad variety of Red Dot, Optical or Back-up iron sights. It also has M-Lok slots on the forend for mounting various accessories. The barrel features internal threads